Melchor Yuson recalls the first time he laid eyes on a Matrix, “I remember seeing commercials of the Toyota Matrix over a decade ago,” he writes. “I was at my friend's house and we admired it since it's a hatchback wagon, which makes it not as big as an SUV nor as small as a simple sedan.”

Not too long after watching the commercial, Yuson’s family car went out of commission. Now in the market for a new vehicle, he persuaded his parents into purchasing a 2009 Toyota Matrix XRS. His selling points: passenger and trunk space, engine capabilities and fuel efficiency.

“After a few years, my parents started struggling with bills and car payments, and I decided to take on the monthly car bills and put it on my name,” explains Yuson. “I also needed it for work and school. I didn't mind helping the parents and I knew it would be mine soon enough to modify to my liking. It was the high end Matrix XRS and I could finally modify a car which I liked and wasn’t known to the tuning scene.

Various trophies: Best Toyota 3rd Place: Best Toyota1st Place: Best New School Import Furthest DistanceKids ChoiceBest Theme Best ToyotaMost Likes on FacebookTop 30, 40, 50 and 100

FAVORITE MODIFICATION: “The hydro-dipped engine cover and fuse box brings [something] unique and different to Trixter. The aliens stand out and together with the lime green and gloss, it was my best investment. Easy to clean as well!”